This is the text of a 60 second sermon for BBC Radio Surrey/Sussex. In that programme I also spoke to Emily Jeffery about some of the pressures and complexities of Mothering Sunday - for those with difficult relationships or who mourn their mother; and those who aren't mothers themselves.
As a single woman, who is also a priest, I sometimes struggle with the implicit/explicit assumptions that I'm some how less 'mature' as a Christian or as a church leader because I'm a non-parent. That said, if 'mothering' is verb; perhaps we can extend our vision of kinship throughout the year - enabling us to be more sensitive on this particular Sunday.
Last week, an email arrived from a well known 'fruity' tech company inviting me to ‘Celebrate mum’ with their branded gifts’.
The commercial world sets expectations for Mothering Sunday based on chocolates, flowers, gifts and promotions for afternoon tea or Sunday lunch.
The reality is more complex. By their presence or absence, mothers shape us. Whether or not we are mothers, we face spoken and unspoken assumptions, pressures and judgements.
Today honours those who have nurtured and supported us - mothers perhaps, but not exclusively so; perhaps we now care for them in frailty and age.
Today we remember that mothering is a verb: it’s part of the character of God which we can reflect in our love of others, regardless of age/gender.
The biblical narrative helps us understand that: with stories of Moses’ adoption, Hannah’s longing and Rachel’s tears; with tributes to the teaching and encouragement of Lois, Eunice and Barnabas.
We are a family in Jesus Christ: who said to Mary and the beloved disciple: Behold your mother; behold your Son. May the Spirit strengthen our corporate mothering in love, wisdom, encouragement and care.
© Julie Gittoes 2017